Each year foxes are forced into closer contact with humans and must compete with us for food, shelter and space. With a little understanding, patience and a few precautions, we can all enjoy the wonderfully interesting wild animals who share our backyards and cities. 

Habitat 

Other than during the breeding season, most red foxes take shelter in dense thickets or heavy brush even during the most extreme temperatures. When breeding, they dig a relatively simple burrow between .5 and 2.5 metres deep. 

Diet 

Foxes are omnivores, consuming a large variety of small mammals, birds, eggs, insects as well as fruits, grasses, sedges and tubers. They will take advantage of garbage or carrion if available. They are most actively hunting in the early morning and late evening. 

Reproduction 

Foxes are monogamous, pairing for life and raising young together. Typically, litters of three to seven pups are born from March through May. For their first month, the vixen cares for her pups while the male fox will hunt to provide food for the family. For up to two months after weaning, both parents hunt for the young. At about three months of age, the pups begin to disperse to establish their own territories. 

How can I deter foxes from my property? 

Foxes are adaptable and opportunistic, so the main way to avoid conflict is to proactively take steps so that they are not attracted to your home in the first place: 

• Dispose of garbage in secure containers that cannot be opened by wildlife 

• Do not leave garbage or food waste outside in accessible areas 

• Use securely enclosed compost bins and do not dispose of meat, dairy, or egg products in compost 

• If you have fruit trees, pick fruit as soon as it is ripe and remove any fallen fruit from the ground 

• Consider installing outdoor lights that are motion activated 

• Clear away bushes or weeds close to your home where animals might seek cover 

If you are worried about the safety of your family and pets because of foxes in the area, there are several precautionary measures you can take: 

• Never feed foxes or attempt to ‘tame’ them 

• When foxes are in your yard make them feel unwelcome with loud noises 

• Keep your pets current on their vaccines in case of an accidental encounter 

• Teach children to respect wildlife and keep their distance 

• Do not allow your dog outside at night unsupervised 

• Keep cats safe inside 

• Fence your property to make it less accessible 

By understanding fox behaviour and taking simple preventative steps, we can reduce conflict and support peaceful coexistence. Foxes are intelligent and important members of our urban ecosystems, simply trying to survive in landscapes that continue to change around them. With awareness, compassion and proactive measures, we can protect our families and pets while respecting the wild neighbours who share our communities. 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need. 

While cars pose risks to animals year-round, extra precautions should be taken during the cold, dark winter months. From the dangers of being hit on the road to the hazards of seeking shelter in the wrong places, cats and wildlife are often at risk around cars.  

Fortunately, there are several ways we can help protect them, both when driving and when your car is parked. 

Check for cats before starting your car 

In colder weather, cats may find warmth and shelter under the hoods of parked cars. They curl up in these cozy spots to escape the chill, but it can be dangerous when the car is started. To ensure you don’t accidentally harm a hidden feline, take a few simple precautions: 

• Tap the hood before you start the engine. The sound may scare the cat away if there’s one hiding there. 
• Honking your horn may also alert any animals in the vicinity, including a cat under the car. 
• Check under your car by looking carefully around the wheels and undercarriage, especially if it’s been parked for a while. 

Taking these few extra moments can save a life—both for cats and for any other small animals that might take shelter in similar spots. 

Drive slowly and carefully, especially at dawn and dusk 

Animals are most active during twilight hours—at dawn and dusk—when visibility is low, and they are more likely to dart across the road. Slow down during these times, especially in areas where wildlife may be active. Keep an eye out for creatures like squirrels, foxes, racoons, or deer that might suddenly cross your path. 

• Be alert even if you don’t see anything right away. Animals can emerge unexpectedly.  
• Use extra caution in rural or wooded areas where wildlife is more likely to be present. 
• Look out for wildlife road signs as many areas with high wildlife traffic will post signs to alert drivers to the presence of animals crossing.  
• Watch for eyeshine at night. Many types of animals have eyes that reflect headlights, making them easier to spot.  
• Reduce speed during poor weather conditions as this can cause decreased visibility and make it harder to brake effectively. By staying vigilant, you can greatly lower the risk of a collision with an animal. 

Both cats and wildlife face a variety of risks when it comes to cars—whether it’s getting hit on the road or seeking shelter in dangerous places.  We have a responsibility to minimize these risks by staying alert, driving cautiously, and taking steps to protect animals. By doing so, we can all do our part to create a safer world for our furry friends. 

If this information was helpful, please help us continue to educate about pet health and well-being by making a donation. As a registered charity that does not receive annual government funding, the Ontario SPCA depends on the generosity of donors to change the lives of animals in need.